In recent years, robotic lawn mowers have been increasingly popular with commercial landscaping companies. As technology has improved, these automated mowers have become a viable solution for many properties and clients.

Robotic lawn mowers can help solve many problems landscaping companies are facing. Things like increasing labor costs or labor shortages are two big issues that robots can help solve.

Beyond that are the changing demands of clients, some of whom want more ecologically friendly lawn care or simply want something quieter and less obtrusive and are willing to pay a premium for those services.

Below, we’ll look at the top 5 robot lawn mowers to consider when making the switch to this exciting new technology that can grow your business.

Nexmow Robotic Lawn Mower

Nexmow is a relative newcomer to the robot lawn mower scene and is produced by URS Robotics.

Nexmow has a simplified product line with only one flagship mower that has all the features that the company offers. This includes a full suite of sensors and even cameras to detect obstacles and other issues.

Nexmow also uses a totally satellite-based boundary system and there is no charging or docking station needed. Units have easily swappable batteries that can be changed on the fly when needed.

These units can be easily dropped off at a location and set to run then controlled or monitored via a phone app from anywhere. Once the mowing is complete, they can be picked up, batteries swapped, and they are ready for the next property.

Features and Price

Price

On pre-order. Contact USR Robotics for details

Battery

Lithium-Ion battery that is easily swappable. 25 volts/7788 watt-hours. The battery can run the mower for 6 hours on typical terrain and average temperatures.

Operation

Fully autonomous with satellite image boundaries that can be adjusted manually via the included app. A fleet of up to 10 mowers can all be connected on the job site to work cooperatively.

Cutting

A cutting height of 1.5 – 4 inches or roughly 3.5 – 10 cm. The Nexmow can handle a slope of up to 25 degrees with a cutting width of 13.8 inches or 35 cm.

Husqvarna Automower 500 Series of Robot Lawnmowers

Husqvarna has a complete line of robot lawn mowers for commercial use. These range from the entry-level 520 to the advanced 550 series.

The entry-level models of the Automowers require wires to be installed to help guide the lawn mower. However, starting with the 550, they have Husqvarna’s EPOS technology, which allows for complete satellite-based boundaries that can be adjusted on the fly with temporary zones.

There’s also an AWD drive model, the 535 AWD, for areas with inclines and difficult terrain.

Price

MSRP $2,099 up to $4999 depending on features and model

Battery

Lithium-Ion battery. Requires a charging station for each unit and a charge time of 60 minutes. Range varies by model.

Operation

In-ground guide wire for the entry-level models. All models with EPOS can use both guide wire or satellite imagery to set boundaries. App is included to monitor critical functions and start or stop operations.

Cutting

The Automower 550 uses 3 cutting heads with a cutting width of 9.45 inches. The Automower can handle an incline of up to 9 degrees. It has a cutting height of 2 inches up to 3.6 inches.Husqvarna

Husqvarna Ceora

The Ceora robot mower is designed to mow large commercial properties up to 18 acres in size. This mower costs $32000. Check for rebates here.

EvaTech TREX Robot Mower

Weighing in at a whopping 540 pounds, this is the most heavy-duty robot lawn mower available. Replacing traditional wheels on competing systems with tank-like tracks, this unit can handle almost any terrain.

However, all that strength comes at a price, and these are nearly $30,000 each, which is over 5x more expensive than competing models. Although, you can’t really compare these with other models as they serve a completely different purpose.

The TREX also differs in that they’re hybrid, meaning the propulsion is electric, but the mowing is done by a traditional gas engine.

These units can also be quickly modified for other duties such as plowing snow by using additional attachments. This can be a great way to earn more money for those in areas with snowfall in the winter.

If you need the most versatile and heavy-duty robot mower out there, make sure to look into the TREX.

Price

MSRP $27000 or $30000 depending on model

Battery

Hybrid system uses battery power and two electric motors for propulsion and a gas engine for the cutting blades.

Operation

Fully autonomous using GPS or remote control. Full suite of sensors and cameras to detect and move around obstacles even if not part of the usual cutting route.

Cutting

Can handle slopes of up to 50 degrees with a cutting width of 44 inches. Overall cutting speed of the TREX is also the fastest of the robot mowers listed here.

Echo Robotics TM 2000 Robot Mower

The TM 2000 from Echo Robotics is designed for large areas and can handle up to 6 acres on a single run. These are perfect for large areas or campuses where frequent mowing is needed to maintain the desired look of the grounds.

Echo also makes a smaller version of the TM 2000, which is named the TM 1000. It has roughly half the range of its larger sibling but is also less expensive. However, it does have the same core features as the larger model, just with smaller overall dimensions and cutting sizes.

Price

MSRP $15500

Battery

Lithium-Ion battery rated at 25.6 volts. Can handle up to 6 acres on one charge operating at a speed of 2.2 mph.

Operation

In-ground wire or GPS automation are both options for the TM 2000 model. Can be set up to leave no tracks if desired.

Cutting

The total cutting width on the TM 2000 is 40.7 inches and has a variable cutting height from .8 inches to 3.9 inches. The TM 2000 uses 5 floating heads to help glide over irregularities in the turf. 

Belrobotics BigMow Robot Mower

The Belrobotics Bigmow can handle golf courses, public areas, and other spots where traditional mowers may not be the best choice.

The Bigmow uses 5 floating cutting heads with 15 total blades that easily glide over uneven terrain and still deliver a professional cut.

It’s also packed with sensors on all sides for safety and can be used in public areas without worry. There is also an anti-theft system built in that can disable and also track the mower if it ends up missing.

Price

MSRP $21000

Battery

Lithium-Ion battery with a range of up to 5.9 acres on one charge.

Operation

In-ground wire or autonomous GPS control. App can control all operational parameters from anywhere. Full sensors to deal with unknown obstacles.

Cutting

Cutting width of 40.5 inches. Can handle slopes of up to 20 degrees. Centimeter accuracy when using GPS functions.

Investing In Robot Mower Technology For Your Business

Although they still may seem relatively new, robot mowers have come a long way, and suffice it to say, they will become a large part of any landscaping business in the not-too-distant future.

For those ready to make the plunge, there are some great options out there like the Nexmow or Husqvarna that offer complete autonomous mowing and control with minimal intervention or preparation like guide wires.

There’s even companies that help lawn care business owners integrate robotic mowing into their offerings. Robin Autopilot has the mowers, software, and experts all lined up to make the process hassle free.

For those not quite ready to take this next step, make sure to at least keep an eye on the industry and new products in this field. They could very well transform landscaping services and you wouldn’t want to get caught out and miss out on exciting new opportunities to increase revenue and grow your business.